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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

'Tis the Season!

Hi there everyone! It's my first post in December and I really can't believe the last month of this crazy year is finally here! Wow, what a year it's been. I was just doing some computer stuff today and I was looking at my calendar from last year and couldn't believe that I will be coming up on my 1 year anniversary of things here quick! My how time flies!! For me it was fine to fly this year...I want it over with. I know that 2011 will be an amazing year!!

A friend of mine is running the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon in January in MY honor!! It is a Team in Training Marathon on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If anyone would like to donate to this cause I would LOVE it!! Here is the link to check it out!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/wdw11/jbyrd

I finally think I'm done with Doctor's appointments for the year!! I went to the dentist last week (a new one) and spent 2 hours there. Ugh. I had a cavity...only my 2nd one to date, but still devastating. I strive for perfection (haha) and my teeth aren't. It could be worse I suppose. At least I have teeth. I went BACK to the gyno today for another pap smear. What fun!! (Not). The first one came back non-diagnostic which means they were unable to get a reading from any of the cells. Strange-yes. Rare-yes. Concern-No. He's confident this one will come back readable! Keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully I'll get my results soon!

Here's some helpful info--10 Cancer-Fighting Foods--Eat up people!!

1. BeansBeans contain a number of phytochemicals, which have been shown to prevent or slow genetic damage to cells. While this makes beans beneficial for helping to reduce your risk of many types of cancer, specific research has suggested they are especially potent in preventing prostate cancer. As an added bonus, the high fiber content of beans has been connected with a lower risk of digestive cancers. Read about cool beans here.

2. BerriesThe two most widely studied cancer-fighting compounds in berries are ellagic acid (richest in strawberries and raspberries) and anthocyanosides (richest in blueberries). Ellagic acid is believed to help prevent skin, bladder, lung, and breast cancers, both by acting as an antioxidant and by slowing the reproduction of cancer cells. The anthocyanosides in blueberries are currently the most powerful antioxidants known to scientists and are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale)Cruciferous vegetables — like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale — are rich in a variety of compounds that have been shown to slow cancer growth and development in a number of laboratory studies. Other larger human studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables can help to reduce the risk of lung, stomach, colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancers.

4. Dark Green Leafy VegetablesLeafy-green vegetables — like romaine lettuce, mustard greens, chicory, and Swiss chard — are rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids. These compounds scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth. The vegetables are also rich in folate, a vitamin shown to reduce the risk of lung and breast cancer. Read more about gorgeous leafy greens!

5. FlaxseedFlaxseed in the form of oil and meal contains phytoestrogens believed to reduce the risk of breast, skin, and lung cancer. Research on the potency of flaxseed as an anti-cancer food is still underway.

6. Garlic (including onions, scallions, leeks, and chives)Garlic contains a number of compounds believed to slow or stop the growth of tumors. One such compound, diallyl disulfide, appears to be especially potent in protecting against skin, colon, and lung cancer, though it is not known exactly how it functions.

7. GrapesGrapes and wine contain a chemical called resveratrol, which has been shown to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Resveratrol is thought to work by preventing cell damage before it begins. Red and purple grapes are the richest sources of resveratrol.

8. Green Tea (decaf)Green tea is a rich source of a class of flavonoids known as catechins. Laboratory studies have shown that the catechins present in green tea are able to slow or prevent the development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells.

9. TomatoesThe anti-cancer compound in tomatoes, lycopene, has been shown to be especially potent in combating prostate cancer. This compound appears to be more easily absorbed if the tomatoes are eaten in cooked form-either as tomato sauce, paste, or juice. In addition to preventing prostate cancer, lycopene may also protect against breast, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.

10. Whole GrainsWhole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds, including fiber, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, whole grains can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

Interesting!!

I will try and check in one more time before the fat man comes in 10 days! I hope everyone is having a great last month of this year and is enjoying prepping for Christmas!! Have you been naughty or nice?!